One of the guest lecturers for the “Quanta” Master’s Degree Program in Quantum and Mesoscopic Physics is Professor Dmitry Budker, who has over 40 years of experience in physics.

“I have many colleagues in Armenia. They told me about this program, and I said, why not,” the professor said.

Dmitry Budker was born in the Russian city of Novosibirsk. After graduating from the University of Novosibirsk, he started working at the Nuclear Physics Institute, after which he moved to the United States where he obtained his PhD from University of California, Berkeley.

“At UC Berkeley, I served as an Assistant to Professor, and then as an Associate Professor and Professor. In 2014, I was invited to Germany where I am currently based, but I also spend half of my time in Berkeley. So, I am ‘split’ into two parts, but the center of gravity is Germany,” he stated.

The guest lecturer is a Professor at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. This is his fourth visit to Armenia where his work with the group of students is multilayered, meaning he moves from one sub-sector of physics to the next.

“The students are primarily motivated and prepared. In the beginning, it was assumed that I would be teaching “Modern Quantum Physics”, but since the students are prepared at different levels, it was decided to explore various topics related to physics in general,” he said.

The physicist’s research also covers nuclear physics, nuclear spectroscopy and laser spectroscopy. According to him, his research group is currently exploring biophysics and experimental astrology (it seeks dark substances, conducts laser spectroscopy and measures the magnetic fields with atoms and diamonds).

“We conduct various kinds of research, and I try to share interesting stories about various spheres with my students here,” the professor said.

Budker considers the dialogue between him and the students a way to make the lectures more effective. According to him, question-and-answer sessions are important in order to teach something.

“I advise my students to do what they really want to do because that is when a person is truly happy. I wake up in the morning and say to myself how wonderful everything is. I can’t wait to go to work every day, and I feel happy. This is the most important thing,” the professor added.

According to Budker, the “Quanta” Program has great potential for success due to the students’ motivation and the fact that the academic council for the Program is excited to work.